Manufacturing tolerances are so precise that deviations are measured in fractions of a millimeter, reflecting the extreme requirements of fifth‑generation fighter design.
By Hezy Laing
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has become one of the most important industrial partners in the global F‑35 program, producing the advanced composite wings for what is widely considered the world’s most sophisticated fighter jet.
This achievement is the result of a decades‑long relationship between Israel’s defense sector and Lockheed Martin, built on technological trust, manufacturing precision, and Israel’s own operational experience with the aircraft.
IAI’s involvement began in 2013, when Lockheed Martin selected the company to manufacture F‑35A and F‑35B wings at its Lahav Division in Lod.
The initial agreement, valued at roughly $2.5 billion, positioned IAI as one of only a few global suppliers capable of meeting the F‑35’s demanding production standards.
In 2014, IAI inaugurated a $60 million automated production line featuring robotic drilling, laser‑guided assembly, and advanced composite‑curing systems.
By 2023, the company had delivered its 300th F‑35 wing set, with annual production capacity exceeding 50 pairs per year.
The wings themselves are a technological achievement, spanning about 11 meters and built from high‑strength carbon‑fiber composites that contribute directly to the aircraft’s stealth profile.
Manufacturing tolerances are so precise that deviations are measured in fractions of a millimeter, reflecting the extreme requirements of fifth‑generation fighter design.
The wings also house critical systems, including fuel tanks, control surfaces, and structural components that enable the F‑35’s long‑range strike capability and high‑G maneuverability.
The partnership between IAI and Lockheed Martin reflects a broader history of cooperation dating back to the 1980s, when Israel integrated U.S. avionics into its F‑16 fleet.
Israel later became the first country outside the United States to use the F‑35 in combat, and its operational feedback has influenced several software and hardware refinements.
Lockheed Martin executives have repeatedly praised IAI’s composite‑engineering expertise, calling the Lahav facility one of the most advanced in the global supply chain.
The cost of each F‑35 wing set is estimated at between $2.5 million and $3 million, depending on configuration and production batch.
With global demand for the jet expected to exceed 3,000 aircraft, IAI’s role ensures billions of dollars in long‑term revenue and solidifies Israel’s position as a critical pillar in the world’s most ambitious fighter‑aircraft program.
